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“These Signs Shall Follow: Demystifying Stereotypes in the Serpent Handling Tradition” explores stereotypes of the serpent handling tradition that have been perpetuated in various media outlets in recent months. I plan to show my thirteen minute documentary and answer questions afterwards. The profile of serpent handling has dramatically risen lately due to sensational media representations fueled, in part, by recent deaths from serpent bites suffered in church services. Two reality shows have focused on the tradition, which dramatized the practices of the “with signs following” churches. In addition, several news outlets have featured stories on serpent handling, distributed nationally, and have perpetuated stereotypes of the tradition. These media representations have inaccurately illustrated serpent handlers, dramatizing the practices and suggesting mistreatment of serpents amongst other misconstrued perceptions. “These Signs Shall Follow” fits well with the theme of “many mountains, many musics” as it analyzes on a unique, Appalachian religious tradition through false representations by national media outlets. In addition, my documentary features two interviews. Dr. Ralph Hood is a religion professor who has been studying the tradition for over 25 years. The other, Andrew Hamblin, a preacher at The Tabernacle Church of God in LaFollette, Tennessee, which is one of the churches featured on National Geographic’s “Snake Salvation.” Both of these men provide insight into the beliefs in the tradition and how media often distorts and exaggerates the practices. Using the interviews of these two men, footage from serpent handling churches, and research I have conducted, this documentary attempts to debunk these stereotypes.

At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1

I am a Master's candidate in the Appalachian Studies program at Appalachian State University. In addition, I am currently teaching an Introduction to Appalachian Studies course and working on my Master's thesis.

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“These Signs Shall Follow: Demystifying Stereotypes in the Serpent Handling Tradition” explores stereotypes of the serpent handling tradition that have been perpetuated in various media outlets in recent months. I plan to show my thirteen minute documentary and answer questions afterwards. The profile of serpent handling has dramatically risen lately due to sensational media representations fueled, in part, by recent deaths from serpent bites suffered in church services. Two reality shows have focused on the tradition, which dramatized the practices of the “with signs following” churches. In addition, several news outlets have featured stories on serpent handling, distributed nationally, and have perpetuated stereotypes of the tradition. These media representations have inaccurately illustrated serpent handlers, dramatizing the practices and suggesting mistreatment of serpents amongst other misconstrued perceptions. “These Signs Shall Follow” fits well with the theme of “many mountains, many musics” as it analyzes on a unique, Appalachian religious tradition through false representations by national media outlets. In addition, my documentary features two interviews. Dr. Ralph Hood is a religion professor who has been studying the tradition for over 25 years. The other, Andrew Hamblin, a preacher at The Tabernacle Church of God in LaFollette, Tennessee, which is one of the churches featured on National Geographic’s “Snake Salvation.” Both of these men provide insight into the beliefs in the tradition and how media often distorts and exaggerates the practices. Using the interviews of these two men, footage from serpent handling churches, and research I have conducted, this documentary attempts to debunk these stereotypes.